Which hollow organ occupies both lower abdominal quadrants and is involved in digestion of fats via enzymes as well as the absorption of contents?

• A. Large intestine
• B. Stomach
• C. Small intestine
• D. Appendix

Answer: (C)

The small intestine is the place where fats are both digested and absorbed. It runs through the central and lower abdomen, with loops that occupy both lower abdominal quadrants. Digestion of fats relies on enzymes present in the intestinal lumen, primarily pancreatic lipase, which works after bile emulsifies fats to increase the surface area for digestion. The resulting fatty acids and monoglycerides are then absorbed by the enterocytes lining the villi, with fats packaged into chylomicrons for transport via the lymphatic system.

Other hollow organs in the lower abdomen don’t perform fat digestion with enzymes to the same extent. The large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes and forms stool. The appendix is a small pouch in the right lower quadrant, not spanning both lower quadrants. The stomach is mostly upper abdominal and does only a limited amount of fat digestion. Therefore, the small intestine best fits the description.